Canon Lens Calibration

[FidoDido]

I recently got a used Canon 24-70 off Craigslist. The lens does not appear to be as sharp as I expected, especially since everyone raves about it. I find my Tamron 28-75, which was to be replaced, sharper. I always read about people stating that their lens is a sharp copy. I'm assuming mine is not, which is maybe why the person wanted to part with it. My question is whether calibrating it will help. If so, how do I go about having it done (where and cost)?. If not, am I stuck with a "lemon?"

[SENSEI]

Did you not get a chance to test it on your body before purchasing it from the buyer?

Did you get any samples from the buyer before buying the lens?
That way you may be able to tell if it's the lens or your body that's the problem.

Either way, you can send your lens back to Canon for calibration, or send try out Sun Camera if you close to North York/Thornhill.

I assume there is no warranty left, so you'll be responsible for all charges. You can call Sun Camera and they will give you a quote over the phone.

[FidoDido]

It appeared fine when I tested it. It wasn't until I got home to compare with my other lens that I realised maybe it was not a sharp copy.

Yeah, there's no warranty left. I'll give Sun Camera a try. I'm just hoping all it needs is calibration. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks!

[cuecas_red]

You can also try emailing Canon Support with the lens you got, camera model and some unedited sample pictures.

I was wondering about my 24-70 lens as well, so I contacted them this week about it and that is what I had to send them.

[SENSEI]

You can also try emailing Canon Support with the lens you got, camera model and some unedited sample pictures.

I was wondering about my 24-70 lens as well, so I contacted them this week about it and that is what I had to send them.

How is that going to help if the camera is out of warranty?
Canon will calibrate it, but not for free...

[kennyluo]

i think you should try to manual focus with it using live view 10x to make sure its the AF problem before sending it in for a calibration...

my 24-70L was having problem focusing on my XS on wide end, however it did not have any problem on 2 of the 5D2 i have tried, nor my XS was having problem with other lenses. However i tested to make sure it was the autofocus problem on this particular camera/lens combo before i sent in for a calibration, along with the descriptive letter to them explaining what the problem is...

and the result was, awesome... 24-70 is sharp wide open... and i have tried it on both 7D and 5D2 again to make sure they didnt screw up this lens with other cameras

good luck

[FidoDido]

You can also try emailing Canon Support with the lens you got, camera model and some unedited sample pictures.

I was wondering about my 24-70 lens as well, so I contacted them this week about it and that is what I had to send them.

Let us know what they had to say.

[FidoDido]

i think you should try to manual focus with it using live view 10x to make sure its the AF problem before sending it in for a calibration...

So if it's not an AF problem, does that mean calibration will not help?

my 24-70L was having problem focusing on my XS on wide end, however it did not have any problem on 2 of the 5D2 i have tried, nor my XS was having problem with other lenses. However i tested to make sure it was the autofocus problem on this particular camera/lens combo before i sent in for a calibration, along with the descriptive letter to them explaining what the problem is...

and the result was, awesome... 24-70 is sharp wide open... and i have tried it on both 7D and 5D2 again to make sure they didnt screw up this lens with other cameras

good luck

Hmm...so it might be a body/lens combo? My current body is XSi with the intention of moving up to a 5D2. Is it possible that if the lens is calibrated for my XSi, it may not necessarily be calibrated for another body?

[kennyluo]

So if it's not an AF problem, does that mean calibration will not help?



Hmm...so it might be a body/lens combo? My current body is XSi with the intention of moving up to a 5D2. Is it possible that if the lens is calibrated for my XSi, it may not necessarily be calibrated for another body?

1. if it is not an AF problem, calibration may not help AFAIK... but however you will be sending your lens and they will most likely determine what the problem is and give you a quote accordingly (and hopefully proper solution)

2. it was in my case, i tried that lens before the calibration on 2 different 5D2 and it did not have the AF issue that i was having on my XS... if you can have access to a 5D2 or some other higher end body, try it out and see how 24-70 behaves

for my case, 24-70 works both before and after calibration on a 5D2 body, so i assume because a 5D2 has a better AF module than these entry level body... i dont have a firm answer on this

[FidoDido]

The way I am assessing sharpness is taking indoor shots of the lens box about 10 feet away.

In order of sharpness:
1. Canon 70-200 4L IS @ 70mm/4.0
2. Tamron 28-75 2.8 @ 75mm/2.8
3. Canon 24-70 2.8L @ 70mm/2.8 (grainy around text)

Aperture, shutter speed, lighting, exposure were of no concern.

My 1st shot ever with the 70-200 (also off Craigslist) absolutely blew me away - I love this lens! I wasn't expecting the 24-70 to blow me away in the same way, but I was expecting the same quality, which is why I am disappointed and hoping I can "fix" it.

[kennyluo]

did you try manual focus? does it improve by a significant amount?

[cuecas_red]

How is that going to help if the camera is out of warranty?
Canon will calibrate it, but not for free...

It helps as the OP wanted to know if a calibration will help, where to get it done and the Cost to get it done. By contacting Canon they will look at the sample pictures, let me know if a calibration would help me in my case, and I assume they will follow up to where I can take it and the cost.

[cuecas_red]

Here is the response from Canon

To address this issue I suggest performing a depth of field test. This will help further determine whether your camera is front or back focusing. Please find the guidelines to perform a depth of field test below.

1.Place three objects of the same size on a table at different distances from the camera. From left to right, place the left most object closest to the camera and the right most object furthest from the camera. From front to back, space the objects out by about 2 to 3 inches.
2.Then power your camera on in the program <P> mode and select a single center autofocus point.
3.Use the single autofocus point to achieve focus on the center object.
4.You may then proceed with capturing the image.
5.Then transfer the image to your computer system for viewing.

If the middle object is in sharp focus, your camera is operating correctly. However, if the left or right objects are in focus, your camera may be front or back focusing. If this is the case, please reply to this message attaching the unedited image captured by your camera. After examining the image we will contact you with our findings. We would be happy to assist you.

[cuecas_red]

So I took the pictures, noticed that the back object was kind in focused with the centre object. Canon recommended I take it into the service centre, so now the service centre in Mississauga has it and they are going to run some test and calibrate if necessary. Since mine is still under warranty there is no charge, and should take 15 to 20 day.

[FidoDido]

So I dropped off my 24-70 at Sun Camera to have it calibrated. The guy told me it would likely cost $140 for labour and, if necessary, another $40-$50 to replace the collars. The next day, it was confirmed that the collars were "damaged" but easily replaced. The guy quoted the original $140 for labour and $57 for the parts. He assured me the lens will be so sharp that it will make my eyes bleed - exactly what I was hoping to hear. I should get my lens back next week while the parts are on order. If all turns out well, despite the trouble, I won't regret buying the lens off Craigslist and having it calibrated out-of-warranty as I still paid much less than buying brand new - I am willing to forego the warranty if the savings are substantial - but that's just me. The guy I bought it off probably knocked it - which is probably why he wanted to unload it - although not evident as it is in excellent physical condition.

[ryan_lau100]

So I dropped off my 24-70 at Sun Camera to have it calibrated. The guy told me it would likely cost $140 for labour and, if necessary, another $40-$50 to replace the collars. The next day, it was confirmed that the collars were "damaged" but easily replaced. The guy quoted the original $140 for labour and $57 for the parts. He assured me the lens will be so sharp that it will make my eyes bleed - exactly what I was hoping to hear. I should get my lens back next week while the parts are on order. If all turns out well, despite the trouble, I won't regret buying the lens off Craigslist and having it calibrated out-of-warranty as I still paid much less than buying brand new - I am willing to forego the warranty if the savings are substantial - but that's just me. The guy I bought it off probably knocked it - which is probably why he wanted to unload it - although not evident as it is in excellent physical condition.

Awesome. Suncamera took care of my 24-70 in about a day and half. From backfocusing a solid foot to bang on. Sharp like you wouldn't believe. I totally agree with the savings of buying used and then calibrating vs new. Let us know if its sharp as anything! Suncamera does a good job though. Better then the Canon service center.

[cuecas_red]

Awesome. Suncamera took care of my 24-70 in about a day and half. From backfocusing a solid foot to bang on. Sharp like you wouldn't believe. I totally agree with the savings of buying used and then calibrating vs new. Let us know if its sharp as anything! Suncamera does a good job though. Better then the Canon service center. Maybe I will have to go there next time!

[FidoDido]

Suncamera took care of my 24-70 in about a day and half.

Yeah, had my lens only needed calibration and no parts, I would have got it back in two days. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.